Final answer:
Antioxidant enzyme systems primarily work by converting free radicals to less harmful substances and donating electrons or hydrogen atoms to free radicals, neutralizing them and preventing cellular damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The antioxidant enzyme systems work primarily by converting free radicals to less damaging substances and donating their electrons or hydrogen atoms to free radicals. This action is crucial in protecting cells from oxidative damage. For instance, vitamin C acts as a radical scavenger in the blood by donating H atoms, which neutralizes toxic radicals and prevents the propagation of chain reactions. Similarly, superoxide dismutases, which are metalloenzymes containing copper and zinc, help protect cells against super-oxide radicals. Additionally, enzymes like hydroperoxidases, which include peroxidase and catalase, also play a crucial role by destroying hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), a common byproduct of oxidative stress.